5 Books for Your March Reading List
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Spring is well on its way! Now that March has arrived, there are only a few weeks left until wintertime is officially “over” (although who knows what the weather will have to say to that). You might find yourself counting down the days until the warm weather kicks in and spring break grants you leisure time. Rather than waiting aimlessly, however, why not spend the next month on something recreational to pass the time, like building a reading habit?
This month, indulge in a few stories to help ring in the upcoming season. Here's five books to either add to your reading list or help you start one!
“On the Come Up” by Angie Thomas
Born from the mind of the author behind last year’s hit novel and film, “The Hate U Give,” Angie Thomas’ “On the Come Up” is an ode to the lyrical art of hip-hop. The story follows 16-year-old Bri, an aspiring rapper trying to leave her downtrodden neighborhood. When her mother loses her job and the prospect of eviction and homelessness appear to be more imminent, Bri’s goal is no longer something she wants to reach, but something she has to reach.
“Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi “Children of Blood and Bone” is a taste of real-world tensions and anxieties served from a fantastical viewpoint and inspired by the legends of Nigerian gods and goddesses. Written by Nigerian-American author and creative writing coach Tomi Adeyemi, “Children of Blood and Bone” is a novel rich with magical spirits, driven and dynamic characters and an overall enticing narrative. The story follows a young maji, Zelie, on her quest to permanently restore magic to the land of Orisha.
“The Astonishing Color of After” by Emily X.R. Pan
Emily X.R. Pan’s debut novel, “The Astonishing Color of After,” is a heavy yet well-crafted narrative of love and grief. After her mother’s suicide, Leigh Chen Sanders travels to Taiwan to visit her maternal grandparents for the first time. During her visit, she is determined to find her mother, whom she believes turned into a bird after her death. Along the way, she discovers family secrets, reconciles relationships and comes to terms with her grief and trauma from that fateful day.
“The Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo
“The Poet X,” the debut novel of author and renowned slam poet, Elizabeth Acevedo, is a special kind of homage to the power of slam poetry and the importance of having an outlet to express one’s self and ideas. Xiomara Batista has a plethora of thoughts, emotions, frustrations and aspirations that she’d love to share. Having grown up in a strict religious household and a neighborhood where she has to fight to protect herself, however, all she has is a notebook and her own recitations. It isn’t until Xiomara is invited to join her school’s slam poetry club that her chance to openly express herself to the world appears. Xiomara must figure out whether or not to remain silent or to break away and speak her mind freely for the first time.
“Love Poems” by Nikki Giovanni
Author, poet and civil rights activist Nikki Giovanni has produced several pieces of strong poetry and literature throughout her extensive career. “Love Poems” from 1997 is no exception to her reign of raw and emotional storytelling. Made up of over 20 pieces, “Love Poems” tells a multitude of romantic, bold and seductive truths. It comes together as an illustrious collection of poems meant to showcase just how overwhelmingly powerful love can be.
